Gel Manicures For Vacation Nails That Won’t Chip or Peel

Support TFG by using the links in our articles to shop. We receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so we can continue to create helpful free content. Thank you, we appreciate it!

If you’re like me, getting a mani and pedi is a part of your pre-trip beauty routine. Did you know that gel nails have made on the go touch ups obsolete?

Gels are perfect for one or two week trips. That’s right – your nails, beach to city, will stay intact for up to two weeks with no peeling, chipping, or cracking. Now that’s what a polish should be!

Travel light and forget about packing most of your extranail tools. Find out more about the gel manicure vs. regular manicure here, and make sure to read the entire article to learn about the benefits and potential health hazards, too.

Best Options for Long Lasting Vacation Nails

What is a gel mani and pedi?

This type of vacation manicure is not done with common acrylic lacquers, but are instead extensions that are reminiscent of real, natural nails. Gels are made of polymers and monomers and are more durable and flexible in accordance with your nail’s shape and flexibility. They bend as your nails do.

For your next holiday, Gelish Nails is not only pretty in Tutti Frutti, but strong too! Who says you can’t be tough and feminine at the same time?

European gel nails keep you elegant all vacation long

Gel manicures are known for their long-lasting powers, plus they look amazing when you’re visiting a stylish European city like Paris, London or Madrid. If you’re heading out on a longer trip, your vacation nails will last the entire time, so you never have to be concerned with touch-ups.

One reader says, “The only thing that works for me on vacation is gels.”

Another reader agrees, adding, “They last for weeks without chipping. I get French tips because you can’t tell when they start growing out due to the clear polish.”

The process for applying gel nails

Gel polish is packaged like regular lacquer. However, it needs to be cured under a UV or LED lamp – like the SUNUV, here – for it to harden on your bare nails.

There are also gel polishes which do not require light-curing. You can just dip your fingers in water for the material to harden. This process helps them last longer and saves post-manicure drying time.

Gel overlay is a thicker consistency and provides an even tougher alternative than regular polish. It comes in different vacation nail color and designs including crystal embellishment, patterns, and shimmers. For pretty beach gel nails, you can’t do much better!

Why gel nails are the perfect vacation manicure

Who wouldn’t want their beach manicure to look picture perfect two weeks into their trip? For the ocean, acrylic nails just won’t do. Instead, you can enjoy having beautifully prepared nails without the fear of them ever losing their luster. They won’t dull and retain a glossy, shiny finish that stays on for weeks as this Gelish Structure Polish does.

There are many more advantages in picking gels over the usual acrylics – they don’t produce a stinging scent like regular nail polish, application takes two minutes, and there’s no hassle of smudging your manicure while waiting.

There are many options for getting great vacation nails

Go to a salon near you, and relax while you’re being attended to by kind nails technicians. Get pampered by professionals who will even throw in a massage of your hands and feet. Pick your polish and watch the magic happen after just a few minutes under a light machine. Before you know it, you’ll be good to go!

Of course, you can also get glammed up on your own. This can be a bit tricky and takes time (and patience) but it’s a more budget-friendly option. Stores likeSephora sell mani/pedi kits that you can use at home. Sally Hansen andNailuv also have popular kits with everything you need to get started.

Take a cue from our readers on how to keep your nails in shape while traveling!

Keep your nails prim, trim and proper

One of the simplest ways to keep your nails looking clean and natural is to go for the basics.

Add nail clippers, a file, and your favorite clear polish to your toiletries bag. Clean, simple nails are always in style, and are always perfect if you’re backpacking or embarking on more rugged traveling.

Important Note: Health Warning

It is still unknown whether there are specific health risks associated with gel nails, so pleaseread all warnings before deciding whether or not to use this manicure method. Some women have experienced the weakening of their nails and other damage from frequent use. There are also uncertainties about the exposure to UV light causing cancer.

While a gel manicure can be a convenient beauty solution to create long-lasting (i.e, over a week) nails, we don’t recommend that you use them frequently. If you do decide to use them, save this beauty treatment for the occasional trip.

The key to packing light is to use packing cubes to compress your clothing shown in this video!

Hope you like these manicure options to stay glam without a chip!

Have you tried gel nails? Tell us about your experience in the comments.